Getting the elephant off the back

Politicians’ entitlements are something for the federal parliament to sort out, but the aviation industry must continue to promote its economically vital role in providing transport and essential freight solutions across this vast country.

With challenging years ahead for the regional aviation industry it is fundamental that the government’s red-tape reduction maintains its momentum. With both Josh Frydenberg and Christian Porter, rising stars in Coalition ranks, beingRegionsgiven respectively stewardship of this important program the government has flagged its goals and hopefully its full commitment.

Red tape reduction cannot come fast enough for the regional aviation industry with thin profit margins reducing further in recent years. Bloated government monopoly service providers and bureaucracies cannot be tolerated a minute longer. Aviation regulation reform must be brought to a conclusion soon. Twenty-five years is simply enough and beyond the industry’s tolerance. It is heartening to see the new CASA board’s commitment and now early action aimed at finishing the job.

As mentioned before in this column, what about a real effort in lowering the barriers to entry to the aviation industry? Budding engineers are facing a small nightmare in trying to complete their courses if they don’t happen to live near a Part 147 training provider. In addition, some candidates have to start their training in one place then transfer to another provider with the necessary CASA approvals. I am no expert, but something seems amiss in our engineering training structures. A good flow of well-trained engineers is as vital to our industry as air under our wings and fuel in the tanks.

We also need aviation entrepreneurship to be fostered, especially among those wanting to enter the industry. The UAS sector

Aviation solutions can often prove to be the most cost-efficient when time and distance are factored in.

is really showing the way. Take a walk around an aviation department in a university and you will see what our budding aerospace engineers are doing. It is impressive and has lessons for other more traditional aviation sectors.

Firstly you need young people, enthused about aviation, bringing their fresh eyes and ideas to bear on the many challenges facing the Australian aviation industry. Secondly, develop easier points of industry entry once those people have qualified in their particular professions. Thirdly, provide professional mentoring programs so that people can learn how to manage and move forward when economic realities press up against their new ideas.

Compared to other forms of transport, aviation and aerospace isjaworskistill a teenager and thus still realising its potential. The latter is unlimited but finances are not, and the industry must always live within strict safety confines.

If we can lift the bureaucratic elephant off the industry’s back, keep regulatory and government costs under control, restrict airport monopoly behaviour and develop the next generation of aviation professionals we will have a chance to rebuild our industry.

All the above will be discussed at the RAAA’s National Convention over October 21-23 at the Crown Plaza Hunter Valley. It’s those who turn up who make the decisions!